The richest woman in real estate
The international property game has many players of differing levels. One player, however, is winning by a long shot and she’s doing it in heels and a glam team. Meet Dorothy Herman, the multi-millionaire CEO making billions of dollars in sales.
Humble beginnings with big dreams
Dorothy, or Dottie as she’s affectionately known amongst the elite circles, began her career as a real estate broker on Long Island with Merril Lynch. She soon purchased an agency called Prudential Long Island Realty in 1989 and through sheer determination, grit and sharp business acumen, soon turned herself into the richest self-made woman in American real estate.
Today, Dottie is the Vice-Chair Emerita of Douglas Elliman. To give you a scope of this company’s wielding power, Douglas Elliman turns over $27, 4 billion in sales annually. With over 7,000 property practitioners who are experts in their field, Dottie is at the top of the list, overseeing every practical aspect to increase sales and push further.
Powerful women shape history
Successful women like Dottie all have one thing in common, they never take no for an answer, Dottie has always seen challenges as a redirection and prefers to mentor aspirational real estate brokers through her own personal experiences. Regularly updating her followers on social media with innovative tips, insider knowledge and her individual opinions on everything from finances to food, Dottie has cemented her status as a pioneer in the property industry.
Her influence is not something Dottie takes for granted, using her star power to make strides for women in real estate. She consistently appears in lists such as 50 Most Powerful Women in New York, Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders, Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs in America and countless others. Appearing on these prestigious lists for her achievements is a well-deserved accolade for Dottie, who continually works toward paving the way for further success in every sphere of real estate for Douglas Elliman.
Gaining insight into a global phenomenon and applying it locally
While Dottie is a force to be reckoned with on a global scale, we can apply some of her techniques locally. Her leadership advice has proven invaluable and can be absorbed in great length on her “Eye on Real Estate” Saturday morning radio show on AM970 in America. The show is available through international streaming services and focuses on trending topics, and market-related news and shares some of Dottie’s career highlights over the years. The audience is also able to ask her questions and get a direct glimpse into the psyche of what makes her so successful.
Women of substance
Dottie says, “The greatest piece of wisdom I can impart about success is that you can’t be afraid to fail. No matter how big your dreams are or how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.” These words ring true for women in business, as we often face adversity and discrimination in a male-dominated industry.
At REALGLEN Properties, Owner and Principal Magda Stoffberg relates by adding she started her career in real estate at the age of 42. “After just one year in the business, I bought a franchise and was a franchisee for 17 years before deciding to go independent.” Magda adds that her recipe for success is “Never give up on your dreams, work hard, play hard, and most importantly - know when to be silent.” Magda’s passion and hard work align her with Dottie’s vision of pushing women to the forefront of the property world. We celebrate and honour each woman striving to accomplish great things in real estate and we look forward to what the future has in store for female property practitioners, especially with role models like Dottie Herman and the vibrant team at REALGLEN Properties.